A BRADFORD district man is set to take on an epic darts challenge to raise money for a cancer charity in memory of his brother who died 10 years ago.

James West, of Shipley, will participate in a 12-hour darts marathon for Macmillan Cancer Support in December.

The 41-year-old is fundraising for the vital charity in memory of his brother Andrew West, who sadly died aged 38 in April 2014 after suffering from throat cancer. 

Andrew, of Shipley, was a mascot on the fateful day of the Bradford City fire disaster in 1985.

Andrew, who was 10-years-old at the time of the tragedy, acted as the Bantams' mascot in the match against Lincoln City at Valley Parade on May 11, 1985.

James will take on the Macmillan Darts Marathon at the Shipley Club on Rae Road on December 7. 

He said: "My brother was my best friend - we had the same taste in music, cinema and sport. 

"We lost him far too early. 

"We should be still enjoying life together.

"He's always on my mind."

Asked about the darts challenge, James said: "I'm excited but a little nervous as it's going to be a long day."

He added that he wanted more people to talk about cancer and those who have lost their lives to the devastating disease. 

To sponsor James, visit https://dartsmarathon.macmillan.org.uk/users/james-west

'He was a lovely lad'

Back in 2014, Andrew's cousin Mark Neale paid tribute to him. 

He said: "Bradford City was a big part of his life - the last time I saw him was on the Kop.

"Andrew was a lovely lad, and his family and his sport meant everything to him. 

"He called his family his team - and anyone who knew him knew he was a real team-player.

"I can honestly say I never heard him say a bad word about anybody."

After he died, a spokesperson for Bradford City FC said: "Andrew will always be linked with the football club given his role as club mascot on the day of the Valley Parade fire disaster. 

"Our thoughts and prayers go out to Andrew's family and friends during this extremely difficult period."

Andrew remained closely linked with the club in the years following the disaster.

After he died, he was one of those remembered during the 2014 commemoration service to mark the 29th anniversary of the disaster, in which 56 people lost their lives.